Today I read a passage in psalms which intrigued me … It has often been asked – “why to bad things happen to good people” This passage reverses this suggestion and prompted a number of question for me … but first here is the passage:
“Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.” (Psalms 34:11-22 NLT)
It is not the most cheery passage but reminds me of 2 other scriptures;
“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement.” (Proverbs 9 v 10)
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world” (John 16 v 3) #redletterwords
With those in mind it prompts several questions:
* How are life’s struggles perceived?
* Is the suggestion God will protect from trouble or in trouble?
* Is it subversive of societies notion of that help comes to those who help themselves?
* What context do words like rescue, protection and redemption create?
* May what we say in the midst of trouble affect how it plays out?
* Is peace to be worked for or to be expected to be given?
* Might there be a pain threshold before rescue?
* Should it be our place to punish the wicked?